Prospects Brighten for Republicans to Reclaim a Senate Majority

Strong GOP Candidates, Obama's Sagging Approval Expand Party's Map

By

Patrick O'Connor

July 27, 2014 7:27 p.m. ET

With 100 days to go until the midterm election, unexpectedly strong bids by several Republican candidates and President Barack Obama's continued sagging approval ratings are boosting GOP chances of capturing a Senate majority.

A battery of recent polling shows Republican candidates mounting competitive bids for at least 10 Senate seats now held by Democrats, including in Iowa and Colorado, states that have been leaning Democratic in recent years. Many Republican candidates have narrowed their opponents' fundraising...